Spectators' day out at Games

Guwahati, Feb 10 (UNI) If the attendance in the preliminary round actions are any indication, the final rounds of the 33rd National Games are set to witness bigger crowds.

As the multi-disciplinary extravaganza entered the second day today, spectators came in hordes to cheer the athletes despite hosts Asom's not too bright chances of finishing high in the medals tally.

Asom Chef-de-mission Bhogeswar Barua had already cautioned not to expect much from the hosts team, pleading that the players of the state were not used to competing in the state-of-the-art facilities as would be available in the Games.

However, this has failed to deter the spirit of the people, who thronged in large numbers to the various stadia.

Dipak Kumar, a city youngster with a penchant for cycling and field events, had gone all the way to Tepesia on the outskirts of the city to witness the cycling competitions.

Not to be deterred by the distance between Tepesia and the main stadium in Sarusajai, he even rushed to the latter to see the aquatics events.

He said, ''This could be the only occasion we will have the privilege of hosting the Games. The players should not play to empty stands. My friends and me will come to cheer them on all days.'' Another sports enthusiast Reema Bhuyan said, ''We don't want to miss out on the action when such a prestigious event is being held in the city.'' It was a festive mood in the main Sarusajai stadium with people making the most of the holiday today.

Family holidays during long weekends normally meant going for a two-day sojourn to nearby resorts. But this weekend all roads led to the National Games venues.

People were seen enjoying the holiday in the National Games stadia, with the children making the most of the occasion.

With vendors also being allowed in restricted numbers and a few stalls coming up in the main stadium, the children had a field day.

UNI